collecting and analyzing information about the past in order to:
come to understandings about the past and the present.
explain present conditions.
be prepared for and positively effect the future.
What skills do students need to succeed in AP U.S. History and perform well on the AP Exam?
collect factual knowledge of important events, people, laws, concepts, etc.
manage time effectively
work thoroughly and thoughtfully
ask thoughtful questions and make rational inferences about historical information
determine causes of particular events and trends
recognize the significance of important events, people, decisions, etc.
identify common themes and trends across time periods and topics
recognize change and consistency over time
discern and analyze different points of view and biases
read, understand, and analyze textual and non-textual sources (both primary and secondary sources) such as textbook information, speeches, letters, newspaper articles, graphs, charts, cartoons, photographs, paintings, maps, songs, etc.
construct historical arguments - orally and in writing
produce clear and thoughtful on-demand essays
dissect multiple choice questions and select the best answer
2011-2012 AP US History Syllabus
Mr Max - Malden High School - BR490
Periods 3 & 4
Textbook: American History: A Survey by Alan Brinkley
Students will:
Read the textbook as assigned
Complete 2-column notes for the chapter opening page of each chapter
Take notes in own words on the assigned reading including important key terms (definition and importance)
Compile ongoing lists, separate from notes, of:
Conflicts
Legislation
Supreme Court cases
Political Parties
Artwork & Pop Culture
Complete chapter questions for each chapter as assigned
Students should reference the Work Expectations & Guidelines page for more information about how to complete the different types of assignments that will be assigned. The textbook will be supplemented with primary source documents, map activities, videos, internet activities, and other assignments.
Other Materials:
A 3-ring binder with lined paper and dividers. Binders will have 3 general sections:
Syllabus and other year-long information such as protocols, rubrics, a page for account info and passwords, etc.
Lists (see above)
Chapter work - notes, chapter questions, primary source work, etc. - within this general section, each chapter should be separated by a divider
A highlighter and pens of multiple colors (at least two colors each day).
A travel drive (on a lanyard or attached to keys or some helpful way of not losing it).
Class Structure: Your textbook reading will take place outside of class. In class, we will spend much of our time organizing and processing information from the readings, analyzing primary source documents, discussing and debating, and developing writing and test-taking skills. It is your responsibility to make class a challenging academic environment. You will also be expected to get to know everyone else in the class and to work with different partners and groups on a regular basis. You must be prepared for class in order to be ready to learn from classmates and to contribute to others' learning. A great deal of what you learn will depend on your interactions with your classmates: be ready to ask and answer questions, to discuss issues, and to push each other to think deeply about the topics we are working with. Many days you will receive a classwork grade based on your focus and contributions in class. You will be graded on your tests, projects, quizzes, essays, and your home and class work, as well as your contributions to class discussions, debates, and presentations. You will also be graded on your notebooks: both your binder and your virtual notebook. Your notebooks will be invaluable resources as you progress through the year. Success on tests, essays, and presentations will largely depend on how well you complete your classwork and homework, and how well you manage your notebooks. More details on the notebooks to come…
What is history?
What skills do students need to succeed in AP U.S. History and perform well on the AP Exam?
2011-2012 AP US History Syllabus
Mr Max - Malden High School - BR490
Periods 3 & 4
Textbook:
American History: A Survey by Alan Brinkley
- Students will:
- Read the textbook as assigned
- Complete 2-column notes for the chapter opening page of each chapter
- Take notes in own words on the assigned reading including important key terms (definition and importance)
- Compile ongoing lists, separate from notes, of:
- Conflicts
- Legislation
- Supreme Court cases
- Political Parties
- Artwork & Pop Culture
- Complete chapter questions for each chapter as assigned
Students should reference the Work Expectations & Guidelines page for more information about how to complete the different types of assignments that will be assigned.The textbook will be supplemented with primary source documents, map activities, videos, internet activities, and other assignments.
Other Materials:
Class Structure:
Your textbook reading will take place outside of class. In class, we will spend much of our time organizing and processing information from the readings, analyzing primary source documents, discussing and debating, and developing writing and test-taking skills. It is your responsibility to make class a challenging academic environment. You will also be expected to get to know everyone else in the class and to work with different partners and groups on a regular basis. You must be prepared for class in order to be ready to learn from classmates and to contribute to others' learning. A great deal of what you learn will depend on your interactions with your classmates: be ready to ask and answer questions, to discuss issues, and to push each other to think deeply about the topics we are working with. Many days you will receive a classwork grade based on your focus and contributions in class. You will be graded on your tests, projects, quizzes, essays, and your home and class work, as well as your contributions to class discussions, debates, and presentations. You will also be graded on your notebooks: both your binder and your virtual notebook. Your notebooks will be invaluable resources as you progress through the year. Success on tests, essays, and presentations will largely depend on how well you complete your classwork and homework, and how well you manage your notebooks. More details on the notebooks to come…
Grading Percentages:
Tests/Essays: 50%
Homework: 30%
Classwork/Notebooks: 20%
The Course: Unit Overivew
The following is a very broad outline and will undoubtedly change during the year: